Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville

Life is active. Whether it’s taking groceries in from the car, shoveling snow or raking leaves, playing
weekend tag football, wrestling with the kids or stirring oatmeal cookie batter – it all requires a healthy body in movement. And, sometimes an illness, injury or the normal aging process takes us away from life. At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, we help you get better so you can get back to it – whatever IT may happen to be.We specialize in bone and joint-related injuries in southeast Ohio, those injuries that keep you from enjoying life. We proudly serve patients in Muskingum, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Guernsey, Licking, Morgan, Noble and Perry counties.

Our team of highly skilled physicians and health care professionalsare orthopaedic specialists who compassionately provide effective diagnosis; treatment and rehabilitation care through a full range of orthopaedic services in our comprehensive center. Our practice includes some of Ohio’s best sports medicine and physical therapy teams available. Take a look around our website to find out more about our physicians, their specialties and our center.In 2008, OAZ completed a 7,904 square foot addition, making it the only center of its kind in our area.Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville – it’s time for you to get back to it.

Read the OAZ Blog

With winter in full swing, many are seeking alternative ways to exercise. Skiing can be a great way to work out and enjoy the outdoors, but as with all types of outdoor activities, the appropriate precautions should always be taken. Often, it’s the most unexpected hazards that present a problem. For example, a little known skiing risk is the possibility of altitude sickness – also known as acute mountain sickness.

To avoid problems, those unaccustomed to higher elevations should allow time to gradually get used to altitude by taking frequent breaks. Do not over exert yourself and remember to always drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages before hitting the slopes. One of the most common symptoms of altitude sickness is a headache, which is also one of the most common symptoms of dehydration.

If traveling by air to a destination above 8,250 feet, take steps prior to arriving. Incorporate a layover of one to two days at an intermediate altitude. Avoid physical exertion for the first 24 hours after you arrive and consume a high-carbohydrate diet. Additionally, talk to your doctor about the preventative medication; Acetazolamide (Diamox) this medication actually speeds acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.

Hitting the slopes should never end in sickness. Staying aware of your surroundings and taking the proper precautions during the winter months can make all the difference. Our doctors and staff at OAZ are always looking for great ways to keep our patients safe, whether it’s on the slopes or off. And though we can’t guarantee we’ll get you off the bunny slope, we can guarantee we will do our best to keep you safe while you’re on it!

This Tuesday was “Falls Prevention Awareness Day” in Ohio and it served as a great way to educate and motivate Ohioans on the importance of being as safe as possible to prevent falls.

It may not be well known, but falls have a huge impact on Ohioans. In fact, they’re the leading cause of injury for adults who are age 65 years or older in our state, according to the Ohio Department of Health. An older adult falls in Ohio every 2.5 minutes on average resulting in three deaths each day, two hospitalizations each hour, and an emergency department visit every eight minutes. Yet even with these chilling facts, falls are one of the most easily preventable injuries.

Falls not only cause physical strain but can be a significant financial burden as well, so here’s a few ways OAZ recommends keeping you and your family safe:

1. Stay healthy. Exercise and eat a diet rich in calcium to keep your bones strong. This will decrease your odds of losing your balance and increase your odds of avoiding injury should you take a tumble anyway (as not all accidents can be avoided).

2. Check your vision. Maintaining good vision ensures that you can see where you are going and what is in your path at all times. Be sure to wear glasses or contacts if you need them, especially at night. Stay on top of checkups and visit your eye doctor regularly.

3. Remove environmental hazards. Things like rugs, slippery floors or clutter can offer unexpected obstacles in your path. Keep walkways clear and free of “loose” items that could cause you to trip. Install railings and light fixtures to ensure safety and visibility on stairs and in dark hallways.

4. Ask for help. One of the biggest oversights we see when it comes to patients who have fallen is their hesitation to ask for help when it is needed. Never be shy to ask for a steady hand or a slower pace. If there is a railing or sturdy structure nearby, always use it to steady yourself. This will ensure your safety, and also the safety of those around you.

Though falling is particularly harmful to older adults, it is important to remember that it can become a danger to anyone at any age. Always remember to stay safe and focused, especially during the winter months as inclement weather can create additional hazards. Stay in tune with your body and never be afraid to ask for assistance!
Talk With Your Doc
To learn more about bone and joint health, join Dr. Steven H. Kimberly for a public discussion on Tuesday, September 30, regarding the treatment of osteoarthritis: facts, myths and things in between. Hosted by Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville (2854 Bell St., Zanesville, OH 43701), this free community talk is open to the public, but space is limited. Please call 740-588-1089 to reserve your spot today!

Getting Treated at OAZ
At Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, a full-service orthopaedic center, our physicians are dedicated to finding the right approach for everyone’s individual needs. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 740-454-3273.

ZANESVILLE, OHIO – Sports Medicine Zanesville, and local volunteers, treated 293 student-athletes Saturday, the most in the three-year history of its free sports physical clinic.

“I think it’s been better this year than it has been in previous years, and I think that’s a combination of the help that we have gotten from our local physicians here as well as our local trainers and schools getting out the information,” said Dr. Samuel A. Finck, D.O.

“This is a good opportunity for us to give back to our community and ensure that all of our local student-athletes are prepared for the upcoming school year,” said Dr. James Gasparine of Sports Medicine Zanesville.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) recommends student-athletes receive a physical prior to participation in athletics.

Sports Medicine Zanesville is a full-service, comprehensive, orthopaedic center, with a mission dedicated to relieving pain and restoring an active lifestyle in each patient. Sports Medicine Zanesville has a team of highly skilled, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons and specialized health care professionals. For more information, visit www.smzanesville.com.

ZANESVILLE, OHIO – Sports Medicine Zanesville will host a free sports physical clinic on Saturday, May 3. Open to all Ohio students, the event starts at 8 a.m. with physicals recommended by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) prior to participation in athletics.

“It is not only important for all student-athletes to receive a pre-participation physical, it is mandatory,” said Dr. James Gasparine of Sports Medicine Zanesville. “This is a good opportunity for us to give back to our community and ensure that all of our local student-athletes are prepared for the upcoming school year.”

Sports Medicine Zanesville is sponsoring the event for the third straight year. Last year, volunteers treated nearly 200 students free of charge.

Gasparine and his fellow Sports Medicine Zanesville physicians and staff will volunteer their time for the May 3 event, and will be joined by seven local primary care physicians and one nurse practitioner. The local volunteers include: Dr. Andrea Collet, Dr. Diane DeCenso, Dr. Anthony Flarey, Dr. Ronald Harvey, Dr. Maria Jamiolkowski, Dr. Douglas Myers, Dr. Michael Zimmerer and Angie Pickens.

Schools are encouraged to reserve appointment times by emailing sports@orthozane.com or by calling 740-588-1089.

Sports Medicine Zanesville is a full-service, comprehensive, orthopaedic center, with a mission dedicated to relieving pain and restoring an active lifestyle in each patient. Sports Medicine Zanesville has a team of highly skilled, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons and specialized health care professionals. For more information, visit www.smzanesville.com.